Surviving the Full Moon Party, Koh Phangan

• Decorate your bodies with UV paint
You can either get painted at the party by locals, or save some money by buying UV paint yourselves and DIY’ing it. Pretty much every shop on Koh Phangan sells UV paint and neon clothing in the run up to the party.

• Be fashionably late
Aim to get there about 10:30pm – 11pm when the party is in full swing.

• Hide your valuables
If you end up taking a camera or phone, make sure it’s hidden under your clothes in a bumbag or money belt.

• Pace yourselves
It’s definitely cheaper to pre-drink before heading to the beach but don’t over do it. The Full Moon Party is definitely a marathon rather than a race – you don’t want to be one of the hundreds passed out on the sand before midnight.

• Take change for the toilets
Please don’t be one of the people who relieves themselves in the sea. Yuck! It’s about 10 baht each visit, but don’t be fooled that because you’re paying for the luxury that the toilets will be remotely clean.

• Don’t forget to drink water
Hydration hydration hydration! It’s dirt cheap at no more than 20 baht a bottle. This was definitely my saving Grace.

• Embrace the music
If dance and house music isn’t your thing, get over it. Some bars will crack out classics like Spice Girls and the Village People, but mostly it’s pumping bass up and down the beach.

• Be prepared to share your personal space with hoards of sweaty, half-naked people
Just keep thinking about that refreshing shower when you get home.

• Take loads of photos
It’s an experience you won’t want to forget. Especially if you make it until sunrise!